Common Goldeneye Female (Bucephala clangula)

Common Goldeneye ducks breed naturally in the taiga and can be found in boreal forests across Canada and the northern United States, Scandinavia and northern Russia. Successful breeding programs in Scotland has enabled a healthy population throughout Britain.

Like Mallards, the males abandon femals about 2 weeks into incubation of eggs, leaving them to fend for themselves. They’re tough little ducks and females have even been known to kill the young of other Goldeneye mothers!

Goldeneyes are diving ducks (can stay under water for some time) and eat aquatic plants and insects, fish eggs, and crustaceans